How To Make:

Children's Magnetic Art Holder

You will need:

• 1 ruler/child (we used plastic...whatever is cheapest)

• Self Adhesive Foam Letters

• Small clothespins (we found some at our local UT/ID supply store, basically any learning store's craft section)

• 1/8 yard fabric (we used 45 wide)

• Roll of magnetic Tape

• Hot Glue Gun

• Acrylic paint (whatever colors coordinate with fabric)

• Scissors

We got the suggestion from a Toddler Idea book and kind of re-vamped it. I will tell you what they did and what we did. The fun of it is that you can decide for yourself what you wanna do!

They took a ruler and glued clothespins to it and had the children write in marker their own name, attaching it to the wall with nails or tacks. We wanted to bling it out. So we went to Joann's and picked out our favorite fabrics and used those. If you buy 1/8 yard, you have enough to make 2 out of it! First, you paint the clothespins you plan to use- whatever colors match the chosen fabric. It may take a couple of coates, but adds a super-cute touch to 'em! You can leave them plain as well...cute idea either way. So, we basically glued the fabric onto the ruler (backside). You will have to do this by trial and error. If you know how to do mitred corners when sewing, this came in very handy when gluing...they held a bit better.

We then were able to go back to the now dried clothespins and attach them (w/ hot glue gun) to both ends of the clothed ruler. We then glued (even though they were self-adhesive) magnet strips to the center of the back. The longer the strip, the better hold. FYI-we tried attaching to just the two ends, it didn't hold the weight very well...the center was better. Then simply attach the Foam Letters to the front. We used foam and didn't really try to secure them any other way. Mine are still holding up fine, but if you don't think your's will...maybe Elmer's glue? We also discovered in our bag that the letter/color ratio was not very good. So be sure to spell the name out in the color selection before you start! (I'm sure you could do wooden as well, weight would be the issue)

Anyway, happy creating! We sure had fun with this one and the kids LOVE to put their art work on it. I love it b/c it de-clutters my fridge! haha